CHAPTER 20:AMBASSADOR OF THE SOUTHERN ISLES

Draeven Castle felt different when dignitaries arrived.

Polished floors, tensioned air, and guards who stood straighter than usual. Everything gleamed a little too bright — like we were all pretending the Empire didn't have shadows.

I stood at my post along the eastern wall of the throne room, beside Kael, sword at my side, face unreadable.

Just another guard.

Just a shadow in armor.

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"Announcing His Excellency, Lord Alric of Avenelle — Ambassador of the Southern Isles."

The name barely registered.

I didn't flinch. Didn't move.

Not until I saw him.

He entered with calm grace — tall, silver hair tied back, dark eyes that missed nothing. Dressed simply for someone of his rank, but his presence commanded the room without needing to try.

He bowed before the Draeven king.

And when he rose, his gaze swept the throne room.

Past nobles. Past soldiers.

Until it landed on me.

It was like being struck.

A flicker — recognition, deep and sharp.

The same way my father had looked at me the one time he caught me sparring behind the training hall — surprised, disapproving… but with a flicker of something else.

Pride, maybe. He never stopped me.

Lord Alric's eyes didn't widen. He didn't move. But something shifted in them.

He knows.

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Kael leaned over slightly, whispering, "You good? You just tensed like someone shot an arrow at you."

I forced my shoulders to relax. "Yeah I'm fine."

---

The king welcomed Alric with formalities, offered wine and words I barely heard. I could feel his gaze still flicking to me, not lingering, but returning often.

Not curiosity.

Not suspicion.

Recognition.

Later, when the court was dismissed and the crowd thinned, he passed by my post again — close enough to speak, but he didn't.

Instead, he paused just slightly — not enough to be noticed by others — and looked at me.

His voice was low. Barely audible. Just one sentence:

"You have your mother's eyes."

Then he moved on.

---

I didn't move for a long time.

I didn't blink.

---

That night, I didn't sleep.

I just kept hearing it. Over and over.

You have your mother's eyes.